Modular accessory

ABSTRACT

An accessory is provided that includes power supply module, a first functional module, and a second functional module. The power supply module can be configured to be suspended beneath an overhead support, such as a hub of an umbrella. The first functional module is configured to affix to the power supply module and to be powered by the power supply module to provide a user directed function. The second functional module is configured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module or the first functional module to receive power from the power supply module directly or through the first functional module.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 C.F.R. § 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This application is directed to accessories for shade structures,including for umbrellas, pavilions, awnings, permanent patio coveringsand other similar structures

Description of the Related Art

Patio umbrellas and shade structures come in a variety ofconfigurations. In some cases patio umbrellas are supported from theside, in a cantilevered arrangement. These umbrellas provide excellentshade while not obstructing the space with a central pole. While anumbrella is very useful in the daytime to provide shade, it is lessuseful after sunset and in some cases will be folded up and stored.However, in many settings space is limited and storing umbrellas in theevening is inconvenient. It would be beneficial to equip umbrellas sothat storing them at night is not needed or better yet is not preferred.For example, it would be very useful for umbrellas to provide usefulfunctions beyond providing shade to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to provide a media hub that can quickly andeasily set up based on the preference of the user in an outdoorenvironment. Such a hub could be deployed on or with an umbrella orother shade structure, as discussed below. Accordingly, users will notneed to store the umbrella at night time, but will prefer to keep themin position to provide additional functions, such as lighting, music,and other conveniences. Of course, the media hub provides many of thesame benefits during the day.

In a first embodiment, a modular accessory is configured for mountingbeneath a shade structure, e.g., a canopy of a cantilevered umbrella.The modular accessory can include a connection hub, a power supplymodule, and a plurality of functional modules. The connection hub has anupper portion, a lower portion, and a protrusion projecting away fromthe lower portion. The upper portion of the connection hub can beconfigured to connect a portion of a lower hub of a cantileveredumbrella. In some cases, the upper portion of the connection hub canform a portion of a lower hub of a cantilevered umbrella. The powersupply module can have a lower side, an upper side, a socket, and arecess. The recess projects from the upper side toward the lower side ofthe power supply module. The protrusion of the connection hub ispositionable in the recess of the power supply module to detachablyconnect the connection hub and the power supply module. For example, insome embodiments, the recess and projection have mating threads disposedthereon to provide a connection therebetween. The power supply module isconfigured to house a portable power supply or to receive power from anexterior source. The power supply module comprises one or more contactsdisposed within the socket to transfer power. Each of the functionalmodules has an upper side, a lower side, and a plug. The plug is locatedat the upper side of the module. For example, the plug of a firstfunctional module can be positioned within the socket of the powersupply module to detachably connect the first functional module to thepower supply module. The first functional module receives power from thepower supply module when so connected. The plug of a second functionalmodule can be positioned within a socket of the first functional moduleto detachably connect the second functional module and the firstfunctional module. The second functional module receives power through acontact disposed in the socket of the first functional module when soconnected.

In another embodiment, a modular accessory is provided for acantilevered umbrella or other shade structure or overhead support. Themodular accessory comprises a plurality of functional modules and aconnection hub having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upperportion of the connection hub is configured to affix to an overheadstructure, for example, being affixed to or forming a portion of a lowerhub of a cantilevered umbrella. In some embodiments, the upper portionof the connection hub is arranged to detachably connect the connectionhub to a cantilevered umbrella. The functional modules can have an upperside and a lower side, the upper side of at least one of the functionalmodules being configured to be detachably coupled with the connectionhub. At least one of the functional modules has an upper side configuredto connect with the lower side of another functional module. In somecases, the upper side of each functional module is configured to bedetachably coupled with the connection hub or with the lower side ofanother functional module. In some cases, each functional module isdetachable from the other module or modules. In some cases, each moduleis electrically connectable to a component disposed between the moduleand the connection hub.

In another embodiment, an accessory for a shade structure is provided.The accessory can be a media hub. In some embodiments, the accessoryincludes power supply module, a first functional module, and a secondfunctional module. The power supply module can be configured to besuspended beneath an overhead support, such as a component of a shadestructure. The first functional module is configured to affix to thepower supply module and to be powered by the power supply module toprovide a user directed function. The second functional module isconfigured to be detachably coupled to either the power supply module orthe first functional module to receive power from the power supplymodule directly or through the first functional module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but notto limit the inventions. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a modular accessory foran umbrella.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show different configurations of the modular accessoryof FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3C are different views of a functional module, in this case anaudio module, including a perspective view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG.3B), and a bottom perspective view (FIG. 3C).

FIGS. 4A and 4B are different views of variations of the modularaccessory, including a connection hub and a power supply module. FIG. 4Ashows an exploded view of an assembly including the connection hub, apower supply module, and a power routing module. FIG. 4B is a side viewof an assembly including the connection hub, a power supply module, anda cap.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate additional configurations of modular accessoriesas discussed herein.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating additional features of one embodimentof an audio module.

FIG. 7 show an example of a further accessory that could be coupled withthe audio module of FIGS. 3A-C and 6.

FIGS. 8A-8D show different views of a dome light and a dome lightassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a modular accessory 100 configured formounting beneath a shade structure, e.g., a canopy of a cantileveredumbrella. The modular accessory 100 includes a connection hub 104, apower supply module 108, and a plurality of functional modules 112A,112B, 112C. As discussed further below, various configurations of themodular accessory 100 provide some or all of the functional modules112A, 112B, 112C. In some cases, more than three functional modules canbe provided. In some cases, a hub system can be provided without anyfunctional modules, but with the capability of connecting to functionalmodules sold separately. For example, the connection hub 104, powersupply module and a cap could be sold as a unit with the othercomponents sold separately and as options.

The connection hub 104 has an upper portion 120, a lower portion 124,and a connection device 128. The connection device 128 can be aprotrusion projecting away from the lower portion 124. In theillustrated embodiment, the connection device 128 includes threadsextending about the projection to mate with corresponding threads of oneor more other components of the modular accessory 100. In one modifiedversion of the connection hub 104, the connection device 128 isconfigured to be engaged by a non-threaded connection, such as theconnection provided between the functional modules, discussed below.This would permit a cap configured to mate with the functional modulesalso be able to mate with the connection hub.

FIG. 4A illustrates that the upper portion 120 of the connection hub 104can be configured to connect a portion of a lower hub of a cantileveredumbrella. For example, one or a plurality of mounting structures 132 canbe provided on the upper portion 120. The mounting structures 132 can beconfigured to receive one or more fasteners that can be coupled with anumbrella hub. In one embodiment, a plurality of mounting structures 132can be provided. The arrangement of the mounting structures 132 is suchthat the connection hub 104 can be coupled with a wide variety ofumbrella hubs. For example, some umbrella hubs to which the connectionhub 104 could be connected have a first connection pattern that caninclude three mounting structures 132 located approximately 120 degreesapart. For this arrangement, the mounting structures 132A, 132B, 132Care well suited to connect the connection hub 104 to the umbrella hub.This creates a triangular connection pattern, which provides a verysecure connection. Other umbrella hubs may have connecting features thatare aligned along an axis. For this arrangement, the mounting structures132, 132A are well suited to connect the connection hub 104 to theumbrella hub. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the mountingstructures 132, 132A-C have an elongated mounting region. Thiselongation enables some movement of the connection hub 104 relative tothe umbrella hub to allow for small amounts of deviation in positioneither on the connection hub 104 or the umbrella hub to which it mayconnect.

FIG. 4A illustrates that the upper portion 120 can include an upwardlyextending rim 136 that has a height that is equal to or exceeds theheight of the mounting structures 132. This enables the top of themounting structures 132 to be at or below a plane containing the rim136. This adds to a pleasing aesthetic effect, hiding the mountingstructures 132. In some cases, the connection hub 104 can form a portionof, e.g., is the lower surface of, a lower hub of a cantileveredumbrella. Examples of such an arrangement are shown in the followingU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,134,442, 7,493,909, 7,533,680, 7,708,022, 8,066,021.The connection device 128 could be built into a hub of any of theumbrellas illustrated in the foregoing patents, which are allincorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Or, the connectingdevice 128 could be removably or deployably connectable to a hub, asdiscussed in connection with FIGS. 3 and 10A-10C of U.S. Pat. No.7,856,996, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

The power supply module 108 can take any suitable form, but preferablyis generally disc or annularly shaped. In one embodiment, the powersupply module 108 has a generally flat configuration with a lower side160 and an upper side 164. The upper side 164 can be configured to bepositioned flush against a lower surface of the connection hub 104. Forexample, the upper side 164 can have a substantially planar surface. Thelower surface of the connection hub 104 can be a substantially planarsurface that abuts the planar surface of the upper side 164 when theprojection 132 is received in a recess 168 of the power supply module108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply module 108 has aconnection zone 172A, and a peripheral zone 172B. The connection zone172A is an inner zone in one embodiment, e.g., closer a central axis ofthe power supply module 108. In this context, the central axis of thepower supply module 108 may be an axis perpendicular to the lower orupper side 160, 164 and intersecting the geometric center thereof. Theconnection zone 172A may be a generally cylindrical portion of the powersupply module 108. The connection zone 172A can include the recess 168and/or a socket 176 that is configured to connect to a functionalmodule, such as any of the plurality of functional modules 112A, 112B,112C, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the connection zone 172Aincludes a plurality of walls with connection devices disposed thereonor therein. For example, a generally cylindrical wall projecting fromthe upper side 164 can include threads formed thereon to mate withthreads on the projection 132. Another wall can extend from the lowerside 160 to provide a portion of a connection device, as discussed inmore detail below. The connection between the power supply module 108and the connection hub 104 could be a non-threaded connection, similarto that adjacent to the lower sided 160.

The peripheral zone 172B can have any suitable configuration, forexample providing an enclosed area 180 to hold batteries. In theillustrated embodiment, an access panel 184 is provided on a sidesurface 188 of the power supply module 108. The access panel 184 permitsa user to access the area 180 so that batteries can be exchanged orreplaced. In some embodiments, rechargeable batters can be used or powercan be directly applied from an outside power source, or in some cases aplurality of outside power sources. For example, an AC source, e.g.,through a power port 192A. The power port 192A enables the power supplymodule 108, and functional modules indirectly, to receive power from anexternal source. In one variation another power port 192 is providedthat can be connected to a different power source, e.g., to a solarpanel for renewable recharging of batteries in the power supply module108. In the illustrated embodiment, the power ports 192, 192A havedifferent configurations, e.g., one can be larger than the other. Thisensures that the user will connect the right sort of power source toeach of the ports 192, 192A. This is important in some embodiments wherethe electronics within the power module 108 have different componentsand ratings specific to they type of power source to be connected to theport. Where rechargeable batteries are used, the access panel 184 may beomitted in favor of an arrangement where the end user is not permittedaccess to the batteries. The peripheral zone 172B can extendsubstantially entirely around the power supply module 108, e.g., beingdisposed at least at opposite sides of the power supply module 108, asshown.

A side profile of the power supply module 108 shows that the sidesurface 188 can have a slight curvature, as shown in FIG. 2B such thatthe upper side of the surface 188 matches the size of the lower portion124 of the connection hub 104 and a lower side of the surface 188matches the profile, e.g., lateral dimension of one or more of themodules 112A, 112B, 112C. This provides a gently sloping appearance andcan permit the modular accessory 100 to be generally cylindricaloverall, at least in the zone of the modules 112A and 112B.

To detachably connect the connection hub 104 and the power supply module108, the protrusion 132 of the connection hub 104 is positioned in therecess 168 of the power supply module. In one embodiment, where matingthreads are provided the protrusion is advanced into the recess byrelatively rotating the hub 104 and power supply module 108 through aplurality of revolutions. If a non-threaded connection is provided theconnection could be made by only fractional of a revolution.

Connection of the power supply module 108 to any of the functionalmodules is illustrated by the operation of the functional module 112B,which is an audio module. The module 112B includes a load bearingelectrical connector 204. The connector 204 is provided above an uppersurface 224 of the module 112B. As can be seen from FIG. 3A, theconnector 204 has an insertable member 212 projecting away from theupper surface 224. The insertable member 212 can take any suitableconfiguration. In one embodiment, the insertable member 212 includes acylinder that extends upward from the surface 224 to a free end 216. Thefree end 216 can include a plurality of lateral projections 220. Theprojections 220 can extend generally laterally of a central axis of themodule 112B, i.e., an axis that is perpendicular to the free end 216. Asshown the projections 220 can be lateral projections spaced about theperiphery of the insertable member 212, e.g., spaced by equal angles.FIG. 3B shows that the projections 220 can be disposed away from the topsurface 224 of the module 112B by a distance D.

The insertable member 212 preferably forms a load-bearing connectionbetween the module 112B and a component disposed above the module 112B.FIG. 2A illustrates that the module 112B can be coupled directly withthe power supply module 108. One advantage of the connector 204 is thatis provide for both electrical and load-bearing connection between themodule 112B the component to which it attaches, e.g., the power supplymodule 108. One particularly convenient arrangement of the connectionbetween the connector 204 and the socket 176 is that the couplingtherebetween can have two configurations. In a first configurationsubstantially no load is supported. This configuration can be achievedby moving the module 112B toward the other component to which it is tobe coupled. In a second configuration, a load-bearing connection isprovided. The connector is disposed in the socket 176 and is supportedtherein and also makes connection with an electrical contact therein. Aconnection between the connector 204 and the socket 176 is sufficient tosupport the weight of a single one of the modules 112A, 112B, 112C orall of the modules 112A, 112B, 112C and in some cases more than threemodules.

In one embodiment, the connection between the module 112B and the socket176 comprises a recess having one or more laterally extending portions.Although the lower surface of the power supply module 108 is not shown asimilarly configured recess 232 in the module 112B is shown in FIG. 3C.The recess 232 includes a laterally extending region 236 correspondingto each projection 220. To connect the module 112B to the power supplymodule 108, the insertable member can be translated upward into thesocket 176 such that the surface 216 is within the socket 176 at a depthof at least D. Thereafter, the module 112B is rotated to dispose theprojection(s) 220 over a support surface. This can be achieved byrotating by an amount greater than the width of the projections 220. Inthe module 112B, the surface can be seen in FIG. 3C, locatedcircumferentially between two adjacent laterally extending regions 236.The rotation can be less than 90 degrees, and in some embodiments aslittle as 10 degrees. As discussed more below, in some cases theprojections 220 have different widths. In that case the amount ofrotation is at least about one-half the width of and in most cases aboutthe full width or more than the width of the narrowest projection. Thisconnection is very convenient because it requires relatively littlerotation. This arrangement can be quickly and easily coupled anddecoupled, facilitating rapid re-configuration of the modular component.

FIG. 1 shows that each of the functional modules 112A, 112B,112C, has anupper side, a lower side, and a connector 204A, 204B, 204C. Theconnectors 204A, 204C function in a manner similar to that of connector204B. Thus, any or all of the modules can be connected in anycombination or order as discussed below.

The first functional module 112A can comprise a power routing module. Asshown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, in this configuration a side surface 300 ofthe module 112A can comprise a plurality of power sockets 304. The powersockets can connect to additional components that can be powered by thepower routing module. For examples, as shown in FIG. 5B flexible stringsof lights 308 can be connected to one or more of the sockets 304 toprovide lighting as desired. In one embodiment, the strings of lightscan be connected to supporting ribs that extend from a lower hub of anumbrella to canopy support ribs adjacent to the canopy to provide alighting effect.

Although FIG. 5B shows the flexible lights 308 in use with the module112B, in other combinations, the module 112B can be omitted form thiscombination. For example, where only lighting is desired a combinationcould include the lights 308 and the module 112C, while omitting themodule 112B.

FIG. 2A shows a modular accessory 100A that can be provided in which theaccessory is shortened by removing a module. In this combination, thepower routing module 112A is removed. This provides a more compactarrangement where only the audio module 112B and the lighting module112C are needed. FIG. 4B shows a further shortened configuration inwhich all functional modules are removed. In this arrangement, theconnection hub 104 and the power supply module 108 are connected and acap 360 is provided on the lower side 160 thereof. The cap 360 is shownin more detail in FIG. 1. In general, the cap 360 has a connector 364that is similar to the connector 204A. As such, upon removal of thefunctional module 112A, the cap 360 can be placed onto the power supplymodule 108 to cover the socket 176. The arrangement of FIG. 4Badvantageously enables the more complex and costly, and more easilyremovable components to be removed and stored in a secure location.

In some variations of the modular accessory 100, the cap 360 is used asa power conserving feature. For example, removing the dome light of themodule 112C and replacing it with the cap 360 prevents the light fromdrawing power from the power module 108, thereby preserving the battery.This will allow the other powered devices, such as the audio componentsof the module 112C, to operate longer on the same batteries or on asingle charge. Alternatively, if the user needs more light, the cap 360can be removed and the dome light of the module 112C mounted beneath theconnection hub 104, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, and 8D. Forexample, FIG. 5A provides another configuration in which the powerrouting function of the functional module 112A is combined with thelighting of the functional module 112C to provide light and flexiblepower usage. For example, additional lights or other electricalcomponents can be connected to the module 112A while providing lightthrough a dome light of the module 112C. FIG. 2B shows an extendedconfiguration, which includes the power routing module 112A.

As noted above, where multiple functional modules are provided power ispassed between the modules, for example from an upper to a lowerfunctional module. In one arrangement, the power routing module 112A isa first module that receives power from the power supply module 108 whenconnected. A connector 204B of the audio module 112B, which is a secondfunctional module, is positioned in the socket 176 of the module 112A.The connection between the connector 204B and the socket 176 detachablyconnects the second functional module 112B to the first functionalmodule 112A. The second functional module receives power through acontact disposed between the connector 204B and the socket 176.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show additional details of audio systems that can beprovided as part of a modular accessory. In addition to the featurediscussed above, the module 112B can include one or more speakers 390and a control panel 384. The control panel 384 can include a pluralityof lights that indicate various operational parameters. For example, afirst light 386 can indicate that power is being supplied to the module112B and/or that the module is actually turned on. In some cases, adiagnostic indicator 388 is provided that can immediately and/orvisually indicate to the user some operational state of the module 112B.The diagnostic indicator 388 illuminates in some embodiments when themodule 112B is malfunctioning. Also, the module 112B can include awireless networking component 392 that enables data to be provided to orfrom the module 112B. For example, a wireless device can provide musicfiles wirelessly to the module 112B to be played audibly on the speakers390. The networking component 392 can be a Bluetooth wireless component.A fourth indicator light 394 (lower right in the figure) is provided forfuture functionality, such as second or supplemental wirelessconnectivity. Other modules could be modified to include a control panelsimilar to the panel 384.

Rather than or in addition to wireless transmission, the module 112B canbe provided with one or more data ports 396 that enable a portablememory device (not shown) to be coupled with the module 112B to providedata to the module. An audio-out port 404 could be provided forconnecting the module 112B to other component, such as auxiliaryspeakers, by wire.

FIG. 7 illustrates an accessory 400 that can be paired with the modularaccessory 100. The accessory 400 is a transmitter for wirelesslycoupling media content from a remote device to the module 112B. Theremote device can be an electronic music player, a tablet computer, asmart phone or other device with an audio or data out port. Theaccessory 400 enables wireless transmission of the audio or data outputto the module 112B in one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another, simple variation of the modularaccessory 100 in which a light module is provided. In particular, fromtop to bottom the variation of FIGS. 8A-8D include the connection hub104, the power supply module 108, and the functional module 112C. FIG.8A illustrates the connector 204C well. In particular, lateralprojections 220 can be seen to have electrical contact 224 on sidesurfaces thereof. These contacts will not receive power from the powersupply module 108 unless the light is moved from the firstnon-load-bearing configuration discussed above to a position that isrelatively rotated from the position of the first configuration. Uponrotation, the contacts 224 are brought into directly engagement withcontacts within the socket 176 of the power supply module 108. In theillustrated embodiment, the projections 220 are not all the same. Inparticular, two of the connections have less width between their lateraledges than the third projection. In one example, a width W1 is providedfor one of the projections, a width W2 greater than W1 is provided forone of the projections, and a width W3 less than W1 is provided for athird projection 220. This arrangement guarantees a specific rotationalposition when the module 112C connects to a module above it. Thisconfiguration of the connector 204C can be provided between each levelof the modular accessory 100. Providing rotationally specific connectioncan be achieved with two different widths of the connections in someembodiments, e.g., with W3 equal to W1. In other embodiments, theprojections 220 all have the same width where a specific rotationalorientation is not required.

As noted above, the modular accessory 100 can be constructed byassembling various components. The connection hub 104 can be theinterface between the modular accessory and the umbrella or other shadestructure or overhead support. The mounting structures 132 of theconnection hub 104 are the interface at which the umbrella or othershade structure or overhead support and the modular accessory connect.

The connection hub 104 enables the user to interface various componentswith umbrella. For example, if the user decides to replace the umbrellabecause it is broken or unsatisfactory, the user can do so whilecontinuing to use the modular accessory 100. Or components of themodular accessory 100 can be moved from umbrella to umbrella.

The embodiment of the threaded mounting structure 132 provides a fewadvantages. First, the connection between the connection hub 105 and thepower supply module 125 may be stronger that other connections. Second,the threaded lower protrusion looks and operates differently from theconnection mechanisms used by the other modules. This unique feature ofthe connection hub 104 prevents connecting the modules 112A, 112B, 112Cdirectly to the connection hub 104 for arrangements where the powersupply module 108 is to be disposed above all of the modules 112A, 112B,112C.

The various different configurations reveal some of the benefits of themodule accessory 100. First, the modular accessory 100 can be shortenedto just the connection hub 104 or can be extended by adding additionalmodules 108, 112A, 112B, 112C, etc., to the modular accessory 100.Similarly, these configurations also show that the modular accessory 100can be provided with a full compliment of functional modules, but canthereafter be shortened or streamlined to have less than all of themodules.

The ability to add or remove functional modules enhances the modularaccessory 100 for the user. This provide greatest flexibility for theuser and enables power conservation modes and/or higher headroom modes(e.g., where the lowest point of the module 100 is higher to be out ofthe way). By making some or all of the functional modules 112A, 112B,112C substantially the same side profile or width, the look of theaccessory 100 is generally uniform in all of its various configurations.Thus, the accessory 100 has a sleek columnar look.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that this application extends beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses ofthe invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Inaddition, while a number of variations of the inventions have been shownand described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scopeof the inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artbased upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that variouscombinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of theapplication. For example, the application contemplates the connectionhub alone or in combination with any of the other modules could comprisea separate aspect. Or, any one or a combination of the modules could bedirectly connected to an umbrella hub or overhead support to formanother separate aspect. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that any claim require more features than areexpressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than allfeatures of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic accessory for a shade structure,the electronic accessory comprising: a power supply unit configured tobe suspended beneath a component of the shade structure, the powersupply unit comprising a housing having a lower surface with a recessdisposed therein; and a functional unit that utilizes electrical powerfrom the power supply unit to perform a function, the functional unitcomprising an upper surface and a power transfer support extending awayfrom the upper surface, the power transfer support comprising a centralbody and at least two projections extending laterally from the centralbody, the at least two projections each comprising an electricalcontact, wherein the recess of the lower surface of the power supplyunit housing comprises at least two laterally extending regions, each ofthe laterally extending regions corresponding to one of the at least twoprojections, each laterally extending region being adjacent a supportsurface disposed within the housing, the projections and laterallyextending regions being arranged such that insertion of the projectionsinto the laterally extending regions and relative rotation of thefunctional unit with respect to the power supply unit positions theprojections to be supported by the support surfaces over the supportsurfaces and engages the electrical contacts of the projections withcorresponding electrical contacts disposed within the housing of thepower supply unit.
 2. The electronic accessory of claim 1, wherein thepower supply unit comprises at least one of a battery compartment forinsertion therein of at least one battery, or a port for connection toan external power source.
 3. The electronic accessory of claim 1,wherein the power supply unit is a second functional unit that utilizeselectrical power to perform a function.
 4. The electronic accessory ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the projections comprises a largerwidth than at least one other projection, and a corresponding laterallyextending region comprises a larger width than at least one otherlaterally extending region.
 5. The electronic accessory of claim 1,wherein the laterally extending regions are each recessed with respectto the lower surface by an amount greater than a depth of acorresponding projection.
 6. The electronic accessory of claim 1,wherein the projections are arranged about a perimeter of the centralbody in a manner that enables the projections to be inserted into thelaterally extending regions in only one arrangement.
 7. The electronicaccessory of claim 1, wherein the power transfer support comprises atleast one additional projection extending laterally from the centralbody that does not comprise an electrical contact.
 8. The electronicaccessory of claim 1, wherein the functional unit comprises a housinghaving a lower surface with a second recess disposed therein, theelectronic accessory further comprising: a second functional unitcomprising an upper surface having a second power transfer supportintegrally formed or rigidly attached thereto, wherein the second recessis configured to provide electrical power to the second power transfersupport, and to support a weight of the second functional module throughthe second power transfer support.
 9. The electronic accessory of claim1, wherein an amount of relative rotation to position the projections tobe supported by the support surfaces over the support surfaces and toengage the electrical contacts is between 10 and 90 degrees.
 10. Theelectronic accessory of claim 4, wherein an amount of relative rotationto position the projections to be supported by the support surfaces overthe support surfaces and to engage the electrical contacts is at leastone-half a width of a narrowest projection.
 11. An electronic accessoryfor a shade structure, the electronic accessory comprising: a functionalunit configured to be suspended beneath a component of the shadestructure and to utilize electrical power from a power supply unit toperform a function, the functional unit comprising an upper surfacehaving a power transfer support disposed thereon, the power transfersupport comprising at least two projections laterally extending from acentral body, the at least two projections each comprising a lowersurface for engaging a corresponding support surface disposed within thepower supply unit, and the at least two projections each comprising anelectrical contact, and wherein the electrical contacts are positionedat a lateral face of the projections such that, when the projections areinserted into the power supply unit, and the functional unit is rotatedabout an axis of the central body with respect to the power supply unit,the electrical contacts will be moved into engagement with correspondingelectrical contacts disposed within the power supply unit.
 12. Theelectronic accessory of claim 11, wherein the power transfer supportcomprises at least one additional projection laterally extending fromthe central body that does not comprise an electrical contact.
 13. Theelectronic accessory of claim 11, wherein the functional unit comprisesa housing having a lower surface with a recess disposed therein, theelectronic accessory further comprising: a second functional unitcomprising an upper surface having a second power transfer supportintegrally formed or rigidly attached thereto, wherein the second recessis configured to provide electrical power to the second power transfersupport, and to support a weight of the second functional module throughthe second power transfer support.
 14. The electronic accessory of claim11, wherein at least one of the projections comprises a larger widththan at least one other projection.
 15. The electronic accessory ofclaim 11, wherein the projections are arranged about a perimeter of thecentral body in a manner that enables the projections to be insertedinto the laterally extending regions in only one arrangement.
 16. Theelectronic accessory of claim 11, further comprising the power supplyunit.
 17. The electronic accessory of claim 16, wherein the power supplyunit comprises at least one of: a battery compartment for insertiontherein of at least one battery, or a port for connection to an externalpower source.
 18. The electronic accessory of claim 16, wherein thelaterally extending regions are each recessed with respect to a lowersurface of the power supply unit by an amount greater than a depth of acorresponding projection.
 19. The electronic accessory of claim 16,wherein each laterally extending region of the power supply unit isadjacent a support surface disposed within the power supply unit, and anamount of relative rotation required to position the projections to besupported by the support surfaces is between 10 and 90 degrees.
 20. Anelectronic accessory for a shade structure, the electronic accessorycomprising: a functional unit comprising an upper surface having a powertransfer support disposed thereon, the power transfer support comprisinga central body extending away from the upper surface along a first axisto a body free end and a lateral projection extending from the centralbody away from the first axis to a lateral projection free end; and asupport member comprising a lower surface having a receptacle therein,the receptacle having a central area configured to receive the centralbody and a lateral extension configured to receive the lateralprojection, the lateral extension partially bounded by a support surfacewithin the receptacle; a first contact disposed on the lateralprojection; and a second contact disposed within the receptacle; whereinthe functional unit can be coupled for support and can be electricallycoupled to the support member by disposing the lateral projection overthe support surface with the first contact electrically connected to thesecond contact.
 21. The electronic accessory of claim 20, wherein thesupport member is a power supply unit configured to provide electricalpower to the functional unit.
 22. The electronic accessory of claim 21,wherein the power supply unit comprises at least one of a batterycompartment for insertion therein of at least one battery, or a port forconnection to an external power source.
 23. The electronic accessory ofclaim 20, wherein the support member is a second functional unit thatutilizes electrical power to perform a function.
 24. The electronicaccessory of claim 20, wherein the lateral projection comprises a firstwidth, and the functional unit comprises a second lateral projectionextending from the central body away from the first axis to a secondlateral projection free end, the second lateral projection comprising asecond width that is larger than the first width; and wherein thereceptacle comprises a second lateral extension configured to receivethe second lateral projection.
 25. The electronic accessory of claim 24,further comprising: a third contact disposed on the second lateralprojection; and a fourth contact disposed within the receptacle andpositioned to be electrically connected to the third contact when thefirst contact is electrically connected to the second contact.
 26. Theelectronic accessory of claim 20, wherein the functional unit comprisesat least one additional lateral projection extending from the centralbody away from the first axis that does not have a contact disposedthereon.
 27. The electronic accessory of claim 20, wherein thefunctional unit further comprises a lower surface having a secondreceptacle therein, and the electronic accessory further comprises: asecond functional unit comprising an upper surface having a second powertransfer support disposed thereon; a third contact disposed on a lateralprojection of the second power transfer support; and a fourth contactdisposed within the second receptacle, wherein the third contact of thesecond power transfer support can be electrically connected to thesecond contact disposed within the receptacle of the support member orto the fourth contact disposed within the second receptacle.